The Angle of Attack In Problem Solving

Attacking a problem head-on ain’t always the best move. It can be tough, time-consuming, and therefore costly.

A seasoned wrestler or boxer knows that it’s more advantageous to attack your opponent from the flank. Ask yourself: is it easier to defend when the opponent is directly in front of you or coming from behind? Or another example: it’s easy to lift the weight straight above your head, but doing it at 45 degrees is torture.

So the defender’s objective is to turn to face the danger. The attacker’s aim, on the other hand, is to gain an advantage through angle of attack and surprise.

The issue seems insurmountable when it suddenly takes you by surprise and advances towards you along its own path. But take a step to the side and you have room to manoeuvre and time to think. The point is the step doesn’t require any physical exertion or investment, it all takes place in the mind.

Sometimes the insight comes suddenly on its own. Or, the change in perspective comes from a coach, therapist, or business partner asking the right questions. So before making a full-fledged attempt to solve a problem, it’s more helpful to ask yourself: “Hmm, how do I approach this?”

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.